Resources
Information & Links
We have collected a range of resources to support our mission & make it easier to access & enjoy the great outdoors
By category: Veterans’ Services, New York Parks, National Parks, Accessibility, Licenses & Permits, and Trails, Hikes, and Places to Go
By county
Structured & Therapeutic Outdoor Programs
Organizations: Outdoor Rx Coalition members
Research & Studies that illustrate the value of time outdoors
RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
See What’s Near You
Click on a county to see all resources & services available.
Albany ▪ Allegany ▪ Bronx ▪ Broome ▪ Cattaraugus ▪ Cayuga ▪ Chautauqua ▪ Chemung
Chenango ▪ Clinton ▪ Columbia ▪ Cortland ▪ Delaware ▪ Dutchess ▪ Erie ▪ Essex
Franklin ▪ Fulton ▪ Genesee ▪ Greene ▪ Hamilton ▪ Herkimer ▪ Jefferson ▪ Kings ▪ Lewis
Livingston ▪ Madison ▪ Monroe ▪ Montgomery ▪ Nassau ▪ New York ▪ Niagara ▪ Oneida
Onondaga ▪ Ontario ▪ Orange ▪ Orleans ▪ Oswego ▪ Otsego ▪ Putnam ▪ Queens ▪ Rensselaer
Richmond ▪ Rockland ▪ St. Lawrence ▪ Saratoga ▪ Schenectady ▪ Schoharie ▪ Schuyler
Seneca ▪ Steuben ▪ Suffolk ▪ Sullivan ▪ Tioga ▪ Tompkins ▪ Ulster ▪ Warren ▪ Washington
Wayne ▪ Westchester ▪ Wyoming ▪ Yates
RESEARCH & STUDIES
Research shows that spending time outdoors can make a meaningful difference in overall health. It helps reduce stress, build resilience, and may even reduce the need for certain medications. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying fresh air, time in nature can enrich lives and enhance one’s sense of well-being.
Studies on the therapeutic benefits of nature-based programming for veterans is still limited, but we have gathered a compilation of relevant literature in the domain.
While what we are sharing does not encompass the entire body of existing research, spending time outdoors has proven to have substantial benefits for psychosocial outcomes.
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An Exploration into the Experiences of Female Veterans Who Attended Higher Ground Military Programming
May 2023
Fleming and colleagues conducted a study that highlights the experiences of female veterans who attend military programming.
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Mental Health Outcomes of Peer-led Therapeutic Adventure for Military Veterans
Dec 2021
Bettmann and colleagues found depression symptoms and PTSD symptomology of military veterans decreased immediately following peer-led therapeutic adventure outings and suggest the need for on-going, community-based interventions to optimally support military veterans’ mental health.
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Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
Nov 2020
Wheeler and colleagues conducted two studies and found a positive correlation between outdoor recreational activity and improvements in well-being for veterans with PTSD.
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Awe in Nature Heals: Evidence From Military Veterans, At-Risk Youth, and College Students
Dec 2018
Anderson and colleagues found improvements in well-being and stress-related symptoms 1-week post whitewater rafting outings.
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A Systematic Review of the Psychological, Social, and Educational Outcomes Associated With Participation in Wildland Recreational Activities
Aug 2018
Holland and colleagues conducted a review of outcomes associated with wildlands recreation activities. The overwhelmingly positive results in their systematic review of literature ultimately suggest that the most common outcomes included personal development, prosocial behaviors, mental restoration, and environmental stewardship.
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Preliminary Long-Term Health Outcomes Associated with Recreation-Based Health and Wellness Programs for Injured Service Members
Mar 2018
Townsend and colleagues examined the effects of a week-long recreation-based health and wellness family retreat for injured military service members and found a decrease in post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and stress after the retreat for veterans.
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Whatever Happened to the Soldiers? Nature-Assisted Therapies for Veterans Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Review
Apr 2015
Poulsen and colleagues conducted a literature review of nature-assisted therapies on veterans with PTSD and found evidence for positive impacts post therapy experience.
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Nature Adventure Rehabilitation for Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Chronic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Control Trial
Oct 2013
Gelkopf and colleagues conducted a randomized-control study of nature adventure therapy for veterans, and found improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, social and emotional quality of life, daily functioning, hope, and perceived control over illness.
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Participation in Outdoor Recreation Program Predicts Improved Psychosocial Well-Being Among Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
Mar 2013
Vella and colleagues found participation in outdoor recreation programs improved the well-being of veterans with PTSD and reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, including a wealth of acute improvements in mood profiles, including attentiveness, serenity, self-assuredness, and joviality.
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Adventure Education and the Returning Military Veteran: What Do We Know?
Mar 2011
Ewert and colleagues conducted two studies that found evidence for increased rates of variables associated with personal development, sense of coherence, and overall well-being after an Outward Bound structured outdoor program for veterans.
